Best Grants for International Development

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise Scholarship

The Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise was founded on September 7, 2001 and celebrated its 20th anniversary as a club in 2021.

In an effort to make an impact and to change the lives of aspiring students in the Great Lakes Region and beyond, the Club formulated a plan to create a second endowed scholarship to meet some of the educational needs of the community. The Club set a goal to fundraise $20,000 in commemoration of its 20 years of service. Through fundraising efforts of the Club and generous donations, their goal was accomplished.

This endowed scholarship will be made available to students wishing to pursue careers that require a four-year accredited degree.  

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges and universities to enhance their community forests while achieving national recognition. By participating, institutions commit to comprehensive tree care and education, significantly benefiting both the environment and student well-being. This program not only promotes sustainability but also fosters a sense of pride within campus communities. Join us in cultivating greener campuses and nurturing the next generation's commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges to cultivate vibrant green spaces while enhancing student well-being. By meeting five essential standards, campuses can achieve recognition for their commitment to sustainability. This initiative not only fosters environmental stewardship but also promotes mental health and physical activity among students, creating a healthier campus environment. Join the movement to enhance your campus and community through tree planting and care.

The Dayton Legal Heritage Foundation Fund Grant aims to enhance legal practices in the Greater Dayton area by funding nonprofit organizations that promote legal knowledge and justice awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a proven track record, demonstrate diversity and collaboration, and address unmet community needs. The foundation prioritizes projects that optimize community resources, test innovative solutions, and encourage volunteer engagement. This grant represents a commitment to improving legal services for all citizens in the region.

The Dr. Seuss Foundation aims to enhance literacy through strategic partnerships and funding. While there will be no public granting cycle for 2025, the Foundation is planning for 2026. It supports evidence-based programs that prepare children for school, particularly those from underserved communities. Key priorities include improving instructional quality, expanding early education services, and promoting arts and environmental education. The foundation values creativity, excellence, and community engagement while focusing on diverse and equitable opportunities.

The FHF Emergency Grant, offered by the Floyd Hooker Foundation, supports tax-exempt organizations in Tioga County facing urgent needs due to unforeseen events. This grant aims to address immediate financial challenges while prioritizing projects that benefit local children. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions. Successful applications must demonstrate that the crisis was beyond their control and that funding is critical for the well-being of the community's children.

The Floyd Hooker Foundation (FHF) offers Special Project Grants exceeding $25,000 for capital, equipment, or unique projects benefiting the children of Tioga County. Applicants must demonstrate a specific unmet need and provide detailed funding sources. FHF prioritizes early involvement to ensure project success, emphasizing collaboration with qualified organizations, including nonprofits and educational institutions, to address community needs effectively.

The Floyd Hooker Foundation Mini-Grant offers funding up to $25,000 to support projects that benefit the children of Tioga County. Established by Floyd "Vic" Hooker's testamentary trust, this grant prioritizes initiatives addressing unmet needs in the community. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. However, organizations receiving grants for two consecutive years for similar projects may not apply in the third year. Applications are accepted twice a year.

Santa Ynez Valley Foundation

Founded in 1991 by Stuart C. Gildred, Sr., the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation proudly supports programs and services that benefit the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos communities. Our mission focuses on grant-making and active collaboration with nonprofits, community leaders, and grassroots projects to strengthen the social fabric of the region.

More than $7.5 million in grants has been awarded to nearly 300 local organizations, and scholarships have been awarded to 578 students pursuing higher education. By partnering with donors, we continue to fund grants and scholarships that strengthen nonprofits, empower students, and enrich community life. Every gift creates opportunities, fosters connections, and helps build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Santa Ynez Valley Foundation: Arts & Culture / Community Enhancement Grant

The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation (SYVF) awards grants to organizations that are certified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and provide programs and services to people in the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos.

SYVF supports organizations that do not discriminate in their delivery of programs and services based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. SYVF will consider projects from faith-based organizations, provided the projects are secular in nature and open to individuals of all faiths and/or those with no religious affiliation.

The Gallery Collection invites students aged 14 and older to participate in the Annual Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship contest. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and have their artwork featured on a card sold by the company. This competition is open to high school, college, and university students, as well as home-schooled students, who are legal residents of the U.S. and its territories. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent!

The Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program, initiated by the Minnesota Department of Health, supports clinical medical education across Minnesota. Established in 1996, this program addresses funding gaps for teaching facilities that face challenges in covering overhead costs not reimbursed by standard mechanisms. By providing essential funding, MERC helps sustain high-quality medical training and education, ensuring that Minnesota continues to cultivate skilled healthcare professionals.

The Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, supports clinical medical education in Minnesota. With $59 million allocated for the current fiscal year, the program provides funding to sponsoring institutions, such as hospitals and schools, which are responsible for clinical education programs. The minimum grant award is $5,000, aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by teaching facilities in a competitive healthcare market.

Sean R. Culbert Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship for Oklahomans attending the East Central University who have a Minimum GPA of 2.5 and have financial need.

Saginaw Community Foundation

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about – immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 900+ community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.

Team One Credit Union – Dean Ruple Scholarship

Team One Credit Union established the Dean Ruple Scholarship in 1999 in memory of Dean Ruple, one of the Credit Union’s most prominent developers. Mr. Ruple was elected to the Board of Directors of Team One Credit Union in 1957 and continued serving the Credit Union in various capacities until 1998.

Mr. Ruple dedicated his life to education. He was employed by the Saginaw City School District for over 30 years as both a teacher and administrator. He also taught at Delta College and with the Bridgeport-Spaulding school system. He was active in the MEA-SEA, the NEA, the Youth Involvement Council and the Family Involvement Council.

Mr. Ruple was proud to witness the growth of Team One from 200 members and $40,000 in assets to its present membership of more than 36,000 with over $197,000,000 in assets. His proactive leadership was respected by all and he is greatly missed.

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (50)
• Essay (25)
• Scholastic record (20)
• Letters of recommendation (5)

Stars, Stripes & Skilled Trades

General Motors invites eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to submit proposals for Stars, Stripes & Skilled Trades, a workforce development initiative designed to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military-connected family members—including spouses—in building lasting careers in manufacturing, automotive, and skilled trades. GM is seeking scalable, results-driven programs that create clear pathways to quality careers while recognizing the experience and leadership that veterans and military families bring to American industry. 

We're looking for existing initiatives that:

• Serve career-transitioning service members, veterans, and military-connected family members
• Provide industry-recognized training, certifications, or credentials
• Connect participants to mentorships, quality jobs, and long-term career pathways in manufacturing, automotive technician roles, or skilled trades.

Grant Range

• $100,000 | $250,000 | $500,000

The Communities Outreach Programme by the Islamic Development Bank aims to enhance the socio-economic development of Muslim minority communities in non-member countries. Established in 1981, it focuses on education, health, and capacity building to empower these communities. The programme supports initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and youth development, ensuring inclusive growth. By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, it strives to improve living conditions and promote productivity, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in diverse regions.

Steuben County Community Foundation

The Steuben County Community Foundation plays a unique role in making this community the best it can be for the people who call it home. We believe that through our work, our community members can live the lives they’ve always dreamed of. They’ll pay it forward, lift one another up, and make our community even better. Investing in our community today, positions it for a brighter tomorrow.

Steuben County Vocational Education Scholarship

The Steuben County Vocational Education Scholarship is available for Steuben County residents seeking some form of vocational training. In addition to graduates, current high school students are eligible to apply for this funding.

Steuben County Community Foundation

The Steuben County Community Foundation plays a unique role in making this community the best it can be for the people who call it home. We believe that through our work, our community members can live the lives they’ve always dreamed of. They’ll pay it forward, lift one another up, and make our community even better. Investing in our community today, positions it for a brighter tomorrow.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in 1998 by Lilly Endowment Inc. to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana. The scholarship covers a full four-year tuition and an annual $900 stipend for books and equipment. 

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 to support partnerships among degree-granting institutions, focusing on student-centered solutions. These grants aim to explore innovative collaborations that enhance stability and success for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible institutions must demonstrate a commitment to transformational partnerships, with priority given to those serving diverse populations and improving educational outcomes. Interested applicants can find more information on the grant process and criteria.

The Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Centers (T42) program, funded by the CDC, focuses on enhancing occupational safety through targeted education and training. By fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration among academic institutions, this initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to address workplace health challenges. The program seeks to diversify the workforce and improve worker safety and well-being through outreach and continued education efforts.

The American Agri-Women Gail McPherson Fly-In Scholarship honors a founding member of AAW, supporting members to attend the annual Fly-In in Washington, DC. This scholarship is open to any AAW member, while applicants who have attended a previous Fly-In are ineligible. The initiative promotes leadership and engagement among agricultural women, fostering a community dedicated to advocacy and education.

The Daughters of American Agriculture Scholarship honors pioneering women in agriculture, offering two $1,000 scholarships to women or their daughters pursuing education in agricultural fields. Eligibility includes being a farmer, rancher, or related to one, demonstrating financial need, and having experience in agriculture. The Jean Ibendahl Scholarship supports young women aged 18-23, while the Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship is for women 24 and older. This initiative empowers the next generation in agricultural leadership.

The HCCF Immediate Needs Grant provides quick funding for unforeseen circumstances requiring immediate support, with grants up to $1,500. This grant is ideal for organizations in Huntington County that face sudden needs such as equipment replacement or IT support after a crisis. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations, and they may only receive one grant per calendar year. The funder, Huntington County Community Foundation, emphasizes timely requests, ensuring support is available when it is most needed.

The CHCF Innovation Fund Grant aims to enhance healthcare access and quality for Californians by investing in early- to growth-stage companies. It focuses on technologies developed by diverse founders who understand community challenges, particularly in California's Medicaid ecosystem. The fund seeks partners committed to improving care quality, reducing costs, and ensuring access for low-income populations. This initiative highlights the importance of lived experiences in driving innovative healthcare solutions. For more information, please refer to the FAQs on their website.

The Moran Award for History of Science Research Grant is designed for postgraduate students and researchers focusing on the history of Australian science. Offering up to $10,000 biennially for travel and accommodation, it aims to facilitate access to vital archives. This increased funding from $5,000 aims to support younger researchers and may be shared among candidates at the discretion of the selection committee. It reflects a commitment to preserving and understanding Australia's scientific heritage.

The Spay/Neuter Grants program, funded by Washington State's SPAY ~ NEUTER ~ ADOPT license plates, aims to combat pet overpopulation. Since 2007, it has awarded over $615,000 to animal welfare organizations, facilitating nearly 20,500 spay and neuter surgeries for pets in need. Eligible nonprofit organizations must meet specific criteria, ensuring humane treatment and adherence to regulations. This initiative contributes significantly to creating a healthier, more sustainable pet population across Washington.

The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship supports students pursuing healthcare careers, continuing a 30-year tradition of helping those dedicated to caring for others. Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents, graduate students or seniors enrolling in graduate school for the 2024-25 academic year, and provide proof of enrollment in an accredited healthcare program. Scholarships cover tuition, fees, and necessary supplies, ensuring that future healthcare professionals receive the support they need.